THE SKODA SURPRISE

Sharp styling and smart storage are just some of the features defining the Skoda Superb and Kodiaq

What does a bicycle company, versatile storage and a comfortable ride have in common?

The answer lies at the doorstep of Skoda, a company formed in 1895 and which today boasts a model range that caters to the needs of the modern family.

Two of the automaker’s newest models – the Skoda Superb and Kodiaq sport utility vehicle (SUV) – continue Skoda’s reputation as a carmaker that offers loads of simply clever kit and practicality for not much money.

With aggressive styling, Skoda’s range is unmistakable for anything else on the road.

The Skoda Superb is the third generation of a line which began in 2001 and has since evolved to become a car renowned for its space, refinement and practical features, all while being competitively priced.

In its current form, the Superb has shed the soft lines of its predecessor and has taken on a more contemporary, angular style, revolutionising Skoda’s range of cars.

That hasn’t changed its comfort and spaciousness, which has helped the Superb win it more than 26 international awards between 2015-2017.

At the front, the creased bonnet lines are complimented by the sculpted bi-xenon headlights, which are linked to the C-shaped rear lights by a strong character line running down the length of the side.

Occupants riding in the Superb will appreciate the wide shoulder room and generous 991mm of headroom for the driver and front passenger.

The boot, accessible through an electrically operated lid, has a class-leading 625 litres of space, and folding the rear seats down yields a vast 1760 litres, perfect for occasions when you need to carry long items.

Other storage options like a cooled glovebox, hidden storage under the front passenger seat and a Jumbo Box under the front armrest (also cooled) means you have space for everything, while keeping the interior neat and tidy.

Riding on the same MQB platform as the Superb, the Skoda Kodiaq can carry all seven passengers in quiet comfort, surrounded by practical features designed for the family.

The Kodiaq comes with hooks and a net to stop luggage from rolling around in the capacious rear, which has 630 litres with the third-row down, and a massive 2005 litres with the second-row folded.

Navigating tight spaces? The Kodiaq offers a four-camera system that shows the driver exactly how close the car is to nearby objects, allowing for precise parking manouvres.

If you park in tight spaces, the Kodiaq also protects itself by automatically sheathing door edges with plastic strips as they are opened, protecting itself from damage.

On the road, the responsive 177hp 4-cylinder engine keeps the fun going, while the all-wheel drive and adaptive cruise control ensures the safety of all.

Whether you choose the Superb or Kodiaq, they both come with features like interior Ambient Lighting to lift the mood in the cabin, whose colours can be changed through the 9.2-inch infotainment display.